December 29, 2021
New Year's Eve party checklist
Learn more by reading my newest article for CTW Features, found here, and happy (early) New Year!
December 15, 2021
It's a wonderful podcast
Jeanine Basinger and Tom Lucas |
Guilt-free grab-bagging (without the guesswork)
Thankfully, there’s a time-tested method that groups can pursue that is not only designed to save money and ensure that every holiday party attendee goes home with a present, but one that will add fun and excitement to the festivities: create a gift exchange via either a white elephant game or secret Santa strategy. Learn more by reading my newest piece for CTW Features, available here.
December 5, 2021
Gear up and get in tune
Discover more about the benefits of learning or relearning a musical instrument by reading my newest article for The Costco Connection magazine, available here.
December 1, 2021
Shoppable TV: What is it, and why do companies need it?
In recent years, a confluence of events has ushered in a new era of shoppable TV, including technological innovation and advancements, a shift in consumer buying behavior from brick-and-mortar retail to online e-commerce, and the increasing consumer adoption of streaming and on-demand convenience capabilities via smartphones and smart televisions – trends that have been accelerated due to the pandemic. Exciting new sales opportunities are now available to brands and companies that, with the right planning and execution, are poised to benefit from the burgeoning growth and acceptance of shoppable TV.
Discover more about shoppable TV and why it's due to explode in the coming years by reading my newest article for Destination CRM, available here.
November 22, 2021
How Santa stole Thanksgiving
In fact, research shows that many folks prefer to put up their Christmas tree and festoon their homes with holiday decor ahead of turkey day; a survey conducted by Christmas Lights, Etc. in 2015 found that 43 percent of Christmas consumers start decorating before Thanksgiving week. While that may seem ridiculously early to some, consider that psychologists suggest that decking the halls earlier can actually make you happier.
Read more on this topic by checking out my latest article for CTW Features, available here.
November 17, 2021
The sun never sets on this classic
November 10, 2021
Home appraisal come in low? Here's how to salvage the deal
Problem is, the appraiser may determine that the home for sale is worth less than what the seller is asking for it. A low appraisal in a hot market can result in the deal falling through. But it’s possible to make the transaction work if you and the seller work together and make compromises. Learn more about why appraisals sometimes come back lower-than-expected, why the appraisal is important to the lender, and what you can do if you get a less-than-desirable appraisal by reading my latest article for Home.com, available here.
November 3, 2021
Word up
But while plenty of challenges remain, many experts agree that the pace of progress has been impressive in recent years, especially considering how far we’ve come from the early and more primitive days of RTC. Indeed, taking a big picture look, the future appears as bright as a luminous white subtitle emblazoned across the bottom of your screen.
To learn more about how real-time captioning has improved online, and future progress we hope to see, read my article on this topic, freshly published by Speech Technology Magazine, clicking here.
October 26, 2021
Pushing PR to techies
So how does a PR, marketing, sales, communications, IT, or product manager cleave through the clutter, connect with the right correspondent, and create better awareness of their new offering, brand, or latest information? Very carefully, the experts agree.
Learn more about how to design a PR strategy that will reach targeted tech pros by reading my article on this topic for new client M2T, available here.
October 19, 2021
Important final steps before you walk into homeownership
Learn more about what’s involved with this process and what should be included on your final walk-through checklist by reading my article on this topic, published recently in the Chicago Tribune.
October 13, 2021
It's still alive! Celebrate Frankenstein's 90th birthday with Cineversary
In Cineversary podcast episode #40, host Erik Martin has a monster of an interview with Boris Karloff's daughter Sara Karloff and David Skal, a highly respected horror film historian and author of the book Fright Favorites. Together, they commemorate the 90th anniversary of the 1931 Universal horror classic Frankenstein, examining why the film is worth celebrating all these years later, its cultural impact and legacy, what we can learn from the movie in 2021, and more.
October 11, 2021
How much is your home worth?
It’s smart to keep tabs on your home’s valuation and value in the market – even if none of the above scenarios apply. Fortunately, there are several home value estimator tools and resources you can use to get at least a rough idea of what your home—or a property you’re eyeing—is currently worth. Just be prepared to find variation in your research. Home valuation experts, websites and other sources use different data and formulas in determining your property’s worth, with some being more accurate than others.
Want more tips on this topic? Read my newest piece for Bankrate, available here.
October 5, 2021
Get your home Halloween on
Your trick-or-treating days may be long gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge your inner Chucky and bring some needed Halloween spirit to your abode. For tips on how to festively adorn your residence with spooky decor, read my article on this topic (which actually published two years ago) in The Dallas Morning News here.
September 28, 2021
7 mistakes to avoid before buying a home
When you are preparing to claim a home and obtain a mortgage loan, it’s crucial to position yourself as a favorable borrower candidate who demonstrates creditworthiness and good financial common sense. Problem is, being human means we are prone to make mistakes, even at the worst possible time.
Read about the seven mistakes that can cost you when buying a house, my latest topic for The Mortgage Reports, available here.
September 20, 2021
Taking the scenic (and surreal) route across Mulholland Drive
Dennis Lim |
Chris Rodley |
September 13, 2021
Even a lingering pandemic can't kill Halloween
In 2020, Midnight Terror Haunted House in Oak Lawn, Illinois, proved that a commercial haunted attraction could operate safely and successfully, despite the pandemic—and without compromising on scares. Fans rewarded that commitment to quality by coming out in droves and selling out most dates on the calendar, with no resulting cases of coronavirus reported.
This year, Midnight Terror plans to up the fright factor by going bigger and better than ever for its seventh consecutive season while also implementing COVID-19 safety precautions. It will nearly double the number of days on its schedule from last year, operating across a record 22 dates beginning Sept. 24 and ending Oct. 31. Additionally, Chicagoland’s favorite Halloween destination will add more actors, animatronic props, rooms, and special effects to its labyrinth layout, which boasts two connecting haunts under its roof, each with a different theme but both included with a paid ticket.
Read my latest story for Patch.com on this commercial haunted attraction by clicking here.
September 8, 2021
RCM: A modern Rx for maintenance
The solution? Reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), an organizational-level strategy that can enhance the maintenance program in a facility by following four key principles: (1) preserve system function; (2) identify failure modes that can impact system function; (3) prioritize the failure modes; and (4) choose suitable and effective tasks to control the failure modes.
Learn more about RCM and its effectiveness in health care settings by reading my latest article for Health Facilities Management, available here.
August 30, 2021
You bought the house--so when do you get the keys?
But that’s not necessarily when you get your keys and begin moving into the home. There are actually two key terms and concepts to better understand here: funding date vs. closing date. Learn the difference between these two by reading my latest article for Home.com, available here.
August 18, 2021
Picture perfect on its golden anniversary
Barna Donovan |
To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download or subscribe to the Cineversary podcast using Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.
Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at anchor.fm/cineversary and email show comments or suggestions to cineversegroup@gmail.com.
August 17, 2021
Hopes on the horizon
This slowdown in new breast cancer cases can be attributed to several factors, including increased awareness of the need for a healthier diet and lifestyle. But it’s the latest screening methods, techniques, tools, and treatments that have helped matters considerably, as well.
Learn more about the newest research, tools, and treatment approaches to detect and fight breast cancer by reading my latest article for CTW Features, available here.
August 8, 2021
Hollywood builds a house
But it’s flicks about fixer-uppers and homes being built in the real world that may prove to motivate us more in the long run, many believe. The reason? We can better relate to these challenging housing endeavors undertaken by serious and comedic characters alike in a variety of motion pictures. Been there, done that is the takeaway by plenty of viewers, while yet-to-be homeowners consider the cautionary tales to be learned from some of these home improvement and construction projects depicted by Hollywood.
I recently wrote an article recommending several films focused on home improvement and construction, published in the Dallas Morning News, available here.
August 3, 2021
Got one of these coveted outdoor features? Your home may fetch a higher price
But you’re in a particularly favorable spot if your property also boasts alfresco amenities that are currently popular with buyers. In fact, your home may sell more speedily and/or at a higher price if your outdoor features check the right boxes.
Based on a recent Zillow report, the following family-friendly exterior features are contributing to residences selling much more quickly than anticipated: a backyard (these listings sold 5.2 days faster than expected); a sandbox (4.5 days faster); or a playground (2.5 days). Listing keywords mentioning nearby parks, cul de sacs, walkable neighborhoods, and community pools can help a property sell between two and five days quicker than hoped, too.
Learn more about the most in-demand outdoor attractions included with homes for sale by reading my latest CTW Features article, published by the Dallas Morning News, available here.
July 28, 2021
You don't have to search far to find the finest western ever
Glenn Frankel |
To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download or subscribe to the Cineversary podcast using Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.
July 20, 2021
Opt for an agent or go the FSBO route?
If you choose the help of a real estate agent, you wouldn’t be alone: Nearly nine in 10 home sellers opt for the assistance of an agent, per the National Association of Realtors. But you could save money by going the for-sale-by-owner route if you’re well prepared and have the time.
Consider your needs and what’s involved carefully, and weigh the risks and rewards of relying on yourself versus an agent. For more advice, read my article on this topic recently published by Bankrate, available here.
July 12, 2021
Heir ye, heir ye: Load up on life insurance for your loved ones
Learn how to buy life insurance, what’s involved, and how to compare life insurance quotes by reading my newest article for Insure.com, available here. By performing your due diligence, you can likely save money on premiums and ensure a safety net for your beneficiaries that can give you priceless peace of mind.
July 5, 2021
Purchase a home off the beaten path
Having a hard time finding an affordable home? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a great financing option for first-time and repeat homebuyers: a USDA Section 502 guaranteed home loan. This generous mortgage loan is aimed at low- to moderate-income borrowers willing to purchase a property in eligible rural and suburban areas and who meet USDA loan qualifications.
But it’s important to understand what’s involved with qualifying for a USDA loan. Take the time to learn more about eligibility requirements by reading my latest piece for Home.com, available here.
June 28, 2021
Ruling the printer/scanner roost
Learn more about Epson and its history by reading my profile on the printer giant, my latest article for The Costco Connection magazine, available here.
June 17, 2021
Still Jonesing for adventure 4 decades later
In Cineversary podcast episode #36, host Erik Martin is joined by James Kendrick, Baylor University film professor and author of Darkness in the Bliss-Out: A Reconsideration of the Films of Steven Spielberg, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the greatest action/adventure movie of all time, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Together, Erik and James explore deep and dark caves, pits, tombs, and catacombs of conversation in their analysis of Raiders, examining why the film is worth celebrating all these years later, its cultural impact and legacy, what we can learn from the film in 2021, and more.
June 7, 2021
Hub how-to
Whatever the definition, CEHs have become increasingly popular for a simple reason: They centralize all customer interactions in a single, simplified customer experience, enabling synchronization across sales, marketing, and other departments to optimally engage patrons. Put another way, a well-planned and executed CEH is meant to make your old-fashioned contact center obsolete.
Learn more by reading my latest article for Destination CRM, available here.
May 31, 2021
When your doctor only takes dollars
Truth is, many physicians don't accept certain forms of health insurance. In fact, plenty of doctors today choose to forego working with health insurance companies altogether and require cash payments from patients. For instance, consider that only 71% of doctors accepted Medicaid in 2019, per data from the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission.
It's important to understand why many physicians are rejecting health insurance plans and requiring cash payments instead, as well as your options as a patient under the circumstances. Read my latest article for Insurance.com on this topic here.
May 24, 2021
FYI on IFS (and a new book I edited)
One such methodology espousing this idea is Internal Family Systems (IFS). Dr. Frank Anderson, the lead trainer and program consultant for the IFS Institute, has just published a book–Transcending Trauma–that explains how these parts work and how conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder can be successfully treated by tapping into these parts during talk therapy.
I had the pleasure of editing this tome for Dr. Anderson, which helped me learn more about IFS and its many merits. Learn more about the book and its author by clicking here.
May 16, 2021
Kane's reign now spans 80 years
This king-sized installment features interviews with Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips, TCM's senior director of original programming Scott McGee, and film historian, professor, and author Joseph McBride. Collectively, they examine why Citizen Kane is worth honoring all these years later, its cultural impact and legacy, what we can learn from the film today, and more.
To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download or subscribe to the Cineversary podcast using Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.
Michael Phillips, Scott McGee, and Joseph McBride |
May 10, 2021
Putting vets on the fast track to homeownership
For the 411 on home financing via the VA, read my first piece for new client Home.com, available here.
May 5, 2021
Camp champ
One business that has benefited from this booming interest in outdoor adventuring is Core Equipment, whose camping products enjoyed a 75% sales increase last year. I interviewed CEO Nick Vaughn for an article that appears in the latest issue of The Costco Connection magazine, available here.
April 28, 2021
Can your home beat the heat?
Learn valuable tips on how to beat the heat and keep your interiors cool as the weather warms up by reading my newest article for CTW Features, available here.
April 18, 2021
90 reasons why "M" still stands for "masterpiece"
Jan-Christopher Horak |
April 12, 2021
Need to file a homeowners insurance claim? Read this first
Homeowners insurance by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free |
But you want to make sure your claim is valid and covered, learn the deadline by which you have to file a claim and know what to expect after you file a claim. Reading your policy language carefully can yield crucial answers.
Many homeowners have questions about what's involved with the homeowners insurance claims process: How do home insurance claims work? How are homeowners insurance claims paid? And how long do homeowners insurance claims stay on your record? For answers, read my newest article for Insurance.com, available here.
April 5, 2021
Is your company's contact center technology up to snuff?
Problem is, many companies aren’t able to satisfy the increased push for customer interaction via phone, text, chat, video, social media, or otherwise. The common culprit? Insufficient technologies and infrastructure, which can limit a business's ability to communicate efficiently with patrons and respond punctually to queries, complaints, and requests.
The experts agree: It’s time to take stock of your contact center’s technological capabilities, identify weaknesses, and implement multichannel solutions that keep pace with industry standards and consumer expectations. Learn more by reading my newest cover story for Destination CRM magazine, available here.
March 29, 2021
Why take out 3 loans? Finance the land, construction & mortgage all in one
But you can save time and money by pursuing a construction-to-permanent loan. This option simplifies the financing process by providing one loan and one closing. Caveats apply, however. You may pay a higher interest rate. A larger down payment may be required. And your lender may have additional requirements and restrictions.
Determine if a construction-to-permanent loan is right for you by learning more about what’s involved. For more information, read my latest article for NextAdvisor, Time Magazine’s new website featuring personal finance content and tips, available here.